ATV Law passed in Colton

COLTON  The Town Council on Wednesday approved a local law that opens to all-terrain vehicles sections of Morgan and Windmill roads and Cold Brook Drive.

The long-awaited action brought jubilant applause from the near-capacity crowd in the municipal building meeting room. The council held a public hearing shortly before the regular board meeting, laying out what would be involved in the local law.

The decision was cheered by ATV enthusiasts.

I spoke at the last meeting where we discussed this law, said Colton Dirt Dogs ATV club President Daniel Murphy. At that time I was speaking just a resident of Colton. Today, Im speaking as the president of the new ATV club in the Colton/South Colton area.

The law limits riding hours to 6 a.m. to midnight and establishes a 30-mph speed limit. The law will be in effect once it is filed with the state Secretary of State.

Supervisor Dennis B. Bulger talked about some of the history and background of the various ATV laws.

Coltons previous attempt to open roads to ATV use was struck down by the state Supreme Court because it violated state Vehicle and Traffic Law. The new action, which is intended to open only about 3 miles of roads that link to off-road ATV trails, is an attempt to answer problems with the first law.

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